Stay on target

Most gamers agree that this generation started off extremely slow. Things got better over time, but it was in the year of our lord, 2017, where things got better real fast. From January to December, 2017 blessed us with a ton of titles to play. It got so crazy that some of us had to stop playing games in order to play other games. It was an embarrassment of riches, and it was glorious. 2017 will forever go down as one of the greatest years for game releases.

As insane as 2017 was, 2018 could very well rival or top it. The list below has 20 of 2018’s most anticipated games, and that’s after I decided to take out nearly ten titles. Gamers across PC, Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One are going to get a lot of love in 2018. Yeah, we won’t see the release of new hardware like we did in 2017, but that just leaves folks more money to spend on software. As far as gaming goes, 2018 is basically 2017 Redux. Let the good times roll!

God of War

God of War is one of PlayStation’s most popular franchises so it’s only natural Sony would revive it. Instead of taking place in Ancient Greece, this installment has Kratos visiting the land of the Norse Gods. He’s accompanied by a son, Atreus, who has god-like powers of his own. Everything from the combat, camera angles, story, and characters is a breath of fresh air for the series. This is sure to be one of 2018’s biggest hits.

Red Dead Redemption 2

People have asked for Red Dead Redemption 2 for years, and Rockstar Games is finally about to deliver. We know very little about this latest Western adventure, but we’re no less excited about it. Expect a bigger, more lush world to explore; one teaming with dangerous wildlife and gun-toting bandits. You can also expect new and memorable characters to interact with (and perhaps play as). Personally, I want to see what sort of online mode this game will have. If it’s anything like Grand Theft Auto Online, we’re in for a real treat.

Detroit: Become Human

Quantic Dreams titles aren’t for everyone. Those who are into David Cage’s unique games are no doubt anticipating Detroit: Become Human. Like Heavy Rain, players take on the role of some individuals whose choices have a meaningful impact on the world. Making things more interesting is the fact each of these characters is an android. If Detroit is anything like its predecessors, it’s sure to be one harrowing, unforgettable ride.

Spider-Man

A Spider-Man title from Insomniac Games? How can you go wrong? Seriously though, we haven’t gotten a truly spectacular Spider-Man game in some time, and people are aching to once again play as everyone’s friendly neighborhood web-slinger. The fact Insomniac Games is developing only sweetens the deal. The game’s trailers suggest we may see (or play as) Miles Morales. Two Spider-Men for the price of one? I think I speak for everyone when I say sign me up, please!

Monster Hunter World

Monster Hunter games are huge in Japan, but the series is most definitely a niche in the West. Things are about to change with the release of Monster Hunter World. While the game is still about hunting monsters of various sizes, the revamped engine changes things in significant ways. Aside from improved graphics, players can expect a more dynamic in-game world, where creatures and the environment behave in unexpected ways. Monster Hunter World will make the series a truly global one.

Dragon Ball FighterZ

Arc System Works has produced some of the very best fighting games of the past decade. Unfortunately, most gamers have never even heard of the company. This will change next year with the release of the highly-anticipated Dragon Ball FighterZ. The game very much has the look and feel of the Dragon Ball Z anime only with the tried and true mechanics of Arc System Works fighters. Given the decline of Street Fighter and Marvel vs Capcom, Dragon Ball FighterZ may very well become the new fighting game of the FGC (Fighting Game Community). I know I can’t wait for this one.

Shenmue III

Many believed Shenmue III would never see the light of day, yet here we are on the cusp of its release. Shenmue II left off on a massive cliffhanger and this sequel appears to take place immediately afterwards. Since this is a Kickstarter title, its budget is considerately smaller than its predecessors (which were the most expensive games of the time). The Unreal Engine 4-powered Shenmue IIIcertainly looks rough around the edges. Despite that, I’m sure long-time fans will forgive lower-quality graphics just to once again play as Ryo Hazuki.

Mega Man 11

If you were unhappy with the Mega Man spiritual successor, Mighty No. 9, Mega Man 11 is just around the corner. Instead of being a 2D throwback like Mega Man 9 and Mega Man 10, the eleventh installment features 2.5D graphics. Despite the graphical overhaul, you’ll still get to do Mega Man-y things like taking out robot masters and absorb their powers. Personally speaking, I would have preferred another throwback game. However, I won’t complain too much. I’m just happy to see a new game starring the Blue Bomer from Capcom.

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night

Konami doesn’t appear interested in releasing a new Castlevania game anytime soon. Thankfully, Koji Igarashi is working hard on a spiritual successor, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night. Based of what I’ve played, Bloodstained is essentially Castlevania: Symphony of the Night for the modern age. Expect to kill a bunch of creepy-looking monsters while opening up previously inaccessible areas of the game by gaining new abilities. A nice level-based progression system adds additional depth to the title. This is definitely a must-have for fans of old-school games of this kind.

Ni No Kuni II: Revenant Kingdom

The original Ni No Kuni was basically a playable Studio Ghibli movie. While the sequel has no involvement from the famed anime studio, it still contains the same whimsical fun of the first installment. Ni No Kuni II features a revamped, real-time combat system. Instead of Pokemon-esque creatures to aid in battle, players can now summon Pikmin-like creatures for the same purpose. There is even a rudimentary town-building aspect for users to mess around with. The game has seen several delays, so it will be nice to see it finally released.

Project Octopath Traveller

While graphically advanced RPGs like Final Fantasy XV do a lot to impress audiences visually, there’s something to be said for classic 2D sprites. Project Octopath Traveller very much looks like the old-school JRPGs many grew up with. It also has turn-based combat. What helps it stand out is how the nostalgic graphics and mechanics are updated for the modern age. Considering how Octopath is developed by the same team behind the Final Fantasy-esque Bravely Default, it’s certainly worth keeping and eye on.

Valkyria Chronicles 4

Let’s be honest here, Valkyria Revolution is easily one of the most disappointing games of 2017. For reasons unknown, Sega decided to take the beloved strategy RPG mechanics of Valkyria Chronicles and replace it with an uninspired, clunky real-time combat system. Thankfully, we’re getting Valkyria Chronicles 4 to wash the taste of Revolution from our mouths. The fourth (proper) installment in the venerated series promises to show the global effects of the Second Europan war and how the lead characters deal with that. The team behind the game says this will be the darkest, most realistic installment. No longer a PlayStation exclusive, more folks will get the chance to experience this unique world for the first time.

Metro Exodus

The Metro series is heralded by those who play it, but it isn’t exactly popular. This is a shame considering how unique and challenging the games are. Like previous installments, Metro Exodus puts players into a post-apocalyptic Russia where they must face off against all manner of mutated creatures. With a brand-new game for current-gen systems, perhaps we’ll see more people get onboard the Metro train (pun most definitely intended).

Yoshi

Playing with Yoshi is always fun, which is why Switch owners should keep an eye on this upcoming Yoshi game. Based on what we know, this title appears to be a fusion of Yoshi’s Woolly World and Paper Mario. This gives the game a unique, eye-pleasing style. We’re still in the dark about what Nintendo plans to have on Switch in 2018, but Yoshi looks like it’ll be a lot of fun.

Far Cry 5

The core Far Cry series is known for putting players up against crazed cults lead by charismatic leaders. Far Cry 5 follows this same trajectory. The big difference is that this game isn’t set in some foreign country, but America. There has certainly been some controversy surrounding Far Cry 5 since its announcement. The truth of the matter is that it is no different from past installments. This isn’t a bad thing considering how popular the series is. If you just want to kill waves of bad guys on foot, on vehicles, or even on the back of an animal, you’re going to have a fun time.

Days Gone

The video game industry has no shortage of zombie games. Like many other titles, Days Gone does feature cannibalistic corpses. What makes it stand out is the sheer number of walking dead that fill the screen. Fighting off a couple of undead is one thing, but an entire swarm of them? That’s something else entire. Players must use the environment around them if they hope to survive. I’ll be the first to admit I’m tired of zombie games, but I am curious to see just how many rotting humans Days Gone can toss at players.

Skull & Bones

Skull & Bones is for those who loved the naval battles from Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag. Like Black Flag, you’ll patrol the seas looking for plunder. Getting said plunder, of course, means engaging in tense naval battles against other ships. On top of a single player campaign, expect 5v5 multiplayer modes where gamers can blast each other to smithereens. Skull & Bones even appears to have large sea creatures to contend with. I’m not even a pirate fan, and I’m kind of stoked for this one.

Yakuza 6: The Song of Life

We’ve had quite a few Yakuza games released recently. 2017 alone saw the release of Yakuza 0 and Yakuza Kiwami on Western shores. With Yakuza 6, we’re finally getting a Yakuza game close to the Japanese launch. This sixth entry in the series sees the adventures of protagonist, Kiryu, come to an end. As with other Yakuza titles, players can expect an open world(ish) game containing a great variety of (insane) sidequests. Yakuza 6 will no doubt give us a glimpse of what to expect from future installments. What? Did you think the series would end with Kiryu? Not a chance!

Sea of Thieves

Fans of the pirate genre are in for a treat in 2018. Not only are they getting Skull & Bones, but they’ll at last play the often-delayed Sea of Thieves. Unlike Skull & Bones, Sea of Thieves is more stylized and whimsical in nature. It’s also a vast, open-world game players can practically live in. The Xbox One is still in dire need of first-rate exclusives and Sea of Thieves looks like it will go a long way into bringing back prestigious first-party support to Xbox One. If this one stinks, we’ll make it walk the plank!

Anthem

Given the popularity of Destiny, it’s not surprising to see Bioware doing their own take on a massively multiplayer online sci-fi world. Unlike Mass Effect: Andromeda, Bioware’s A-team is working on Anthem. Since that’s the case, don’t expect the dev to cut any corners this time. The question is, can Bioware deliver a title that pleases both single player and multiplayer gamers? Anthem likely won’t drop until the latter half of 2018, which means Bioware and EA will have plenty of opportunities to properly explain what it’s all about. Hopefully, it won’t be riddled with needless microtransactions. We’re keeping and eye on you in 2018, EA.